SKIP TO CONTENT

HOME

GLOSSARY

EXIT

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 1600 Clifton Rd. Atlanta, GA 30329, USA
800-CDC-INFO (800-232-4636) TTY: (888) 232-6348

https://wwwn.cdc.gov/dcs/ContactUs/Form

USA.gov

U.S. Department of Health & Human Services

 

Targeted testing is an essential TB prevention and control strategy in the United States. Targeted testing is a strategy used to identify and treat persons who are at high risk for latent TB infection or at high risk of developing TB disease once infected with M. tuberculosis.

 

Like an iceberg floating in the water, TB disease is only the tip of TB conditions. Millions of people in the United States have latent TB infection. Without treatment, they are at risk of developing TB disease. Targeted testing can help identify latent TB infection that lurks beneath the surface but can eventually emerge as active TB disease.

                                  

• Identifying and treating persons who have latent TB infection is important because treatment can prevent these persons from developing TB disease in the future. This helps to stop the further spread of TB in communities. In fact, more than 80% of U.S. TB cases are believed to be associated with longstanding, untreated latent TB infection.

 

All TB testing activities should be accompanied by a plan for follow-up care, medical evaluation, and treatment for persons diagnosed with latent TB infection or TB disease.

Targeted testing: A TB control strategy to identify persons at high risk for latent TB infection and persons at high risk for developing TB disease who would benefit from treatment.

Targeted testing can help identify latent TB infection that can eventually emerge as active TB disease.